Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida thinks that people are beginning to overcome the dreaded VR simulation sickness.
Yoshida said as much speaking to Famitsu at TGS last week (roughly translated via Google). Simulation sickness refers to people becoming nauseous in VR. This can be especially apparent when a VR game simulates walking or if it takes control of the camera. However Yoshida noted that he believes “users have become accustomed to VR” in the past three years.
In his interview, Yoshida pointed to experiences like Borderlands 2 VR and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR as examples of this. Both games offer comfortable teleport options but also smooth locomotion. This is “because the human brain is getting used to it,” he said, later adding that “as the brain gets used to VR, sensory disagreements are less likely to occur.”
Another example Yoshida pointed to is the upcoming Iron Man VR. The game, developed by Camouflaj, lets players fly in any direction using a unique control scheme. Indeed, we’ve been really impressed with how natural the experience feels on the headset. “I think this is a VR game that has never existed before,” Yoshida said.
Yoshida’s words are reflective of how VR design has evolved at both Sony’s own Worldwide Studios and Oculus’ exclusive games for its Rift and Quest headsets. Back in 2016, both companies were cautious to move players too much (with some exception *cough* RIGS *cough*). However, recent titles like Blood & Truth and the upcoming Stormland feature smooth locomotion.
Do you agree that the wider VR user-base is getting used to VR and overcoming simulation sickness? Should Sony and Oculus continue to design more intense experiences or are they leaving people that still suffer from nausea behind? Let us know in the comments below!
Camouflaj’s Iron Man VR is debuting its own take on Tony Stark’s armored Avenger.
Much of what we’ve seen of this PSVR exclusive thus far has focused on originality. The developer is keen to make this rendition its own, with an original story. That’s why it designed its own armor with the help of comic artist Adi Granov (who worked on classic Iron Man story, Extremis).
But that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a little nostalgia thrown in for good mix.
Most superhero games give fans a massive range of costumes to unlock. For Iron Man it’s a little different, as many of his armors fundamentally change in capability. That’s why we’ve rounded off five armors that we’d love to use in VR beyond the classic red and gold.
Stealth
An Iron Man classic we surprisingly never saw in the movies (aside from a small easter egg). Stealth does pretty much what it says on the tin; it takes Tony off the radar, allowing him to infiltrate heavily-monitored airspace. If you’re fighting a bunch of drones, this could be a great way to keep a low profile.
Silver Centurion
Okay, this one really is more about the look rather than the function. The Silver Centurion armor is something of a classic. As we saw in Iron Man 2, though, it could be used as an emergency suit stored in a briefcase, which might at least give it a narrative basis for an appearance in the game.
Hulk Buster
I mean, duh. We doubt the Hulk himself is in Iron Man VR (fingers crossed!) but either way we’d love to test out the Hulk Buster for ourselves. Tony’s oversized behemoth is designed to take down the toughest threats and comes with increased strength. This is one armor we’re definitely hoping will make it in.
Mark I
True, the Mark I can’t fly, doesn’t have laser beams and looks pretty cumbersome. But that might make for a fun level, right? We’d love to traipse through an enemy base taking out targets with makeshift weapons. Perhaps if Camouflaj’s story really does take Tony to his lowest point we’ll see this happen
War Machine
Okay, no, technically not an Iron Man armor but come on. War Machine’s fully-fitted armory isn’t quite as sci-fi as Tony’s but it looks like a heck of a lot of fun to use. Shoulder-mounted chainguns and wrist-mounted rockets would give us the perfect switch up from the rest of the game. Make it happen, Camouflaj!
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Iron Man VR is out later this year exclusively on PSVR.
Looking for some new Iron Man VR gameplay? We’ve got you covered.
You’ve probably heard how Iron Man VR makes smart use of software to enable 360 degree tracking on PSVR. Still, it’s hard to get your head around just how it works without actually seeing it for yourself. So we filmed it for you.
What you’re seeing below is what I based my Gamescom 2019 preview off of. It’s the game’s tutorial area, where you’re given free rein to zoom across the Malibu skies above Tony Stark’s mansion. The PlayStation Camera is placed pretty much next to the camera filming me.
In my hands-on, I said the gameplay felt so smooth I often forgot I was playing on PSVR. Developer Camouflaj has smartly designed the game to enable players to twist and turn as they play; something many PSVR games struggle with. When flying, you mostly keep your hands at your side, meaning the PlayStation camera can often see at least a glimpse of both Move controllers regardless of where you’re standing. But the game is also able to cope with the moments a controller goes out of view much more capably than anything else I’ve seen on the headset.
It’s certainly not perfect (note the moment my arm does a Mr. Fantastic impression early in), but it’s remarkably trouble-free. As you can see at times I’m facing completely the opposite way from the camera and I’m still able to play without even realizing. The game will regularly stop between objectives to straighten you up, too.
Overall it’s an encouraging demo, though we’ll really be able to put the game through its paces when we get to play it at home. Iron Man VR is due for release later this year. We’re looking forward to digging further into its story mode and more.
Whether you’re a comic book fan or not there’s no denying the fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has shaped modern cinema ever since the first Iron Man movie in 2008. There have been several videogame tie-ins trying to milk the brand and for the most part have felt lacklustre, failing to grab the energy and excitement of being Tony Stark in the world’s most famous armour. Until Iron Man VR that is. Thanks to virtual reality’s (VR) unique ability to put you inside the suit, Iron Man VR could well be the benchmark for future superhero videogames.
First announced back in March 2019 and exclusive to PlayStation VR, developer Camouflaj demoed the title at the recent Gamescom 2019 event in Cologne, Germany, and the queue’s certainly testified to fans interest.
Available was a short 10-15 minute demo which served as an opening tutorial, giving players a chance to test the various flight and weapons controls. Set outside Stark’s LA home from the first couple of movies, by far and away the most important aspect to get right was flight. If you can’t freely soar through the clouds opening up for some intense straight-line speed before suddenly changing tack and nipping in and out of obstacles then the illusion would be broken before it had even begun.
Thankfully the studio has got most of this right from first impressions. There’s a nice boost manoeuvre to speed you along and the all-important hand controls work very well when changing direction or merely hovering. The only real disappointment when it comes to flying is turning, and this is due to the technical restrictions of PlayStation VR. Because of the single-camera setup there’s no turning around to fly gracefully. Instead, you need to press the Square or Triangle buttons on the PlayStation Move controllers to snap turn which does ruin the magic a bit.
That being said, all the flight motion is very comfortable due to using the hand-mounted thrusters. Only those who really suffer terrible nausea maybe effected, that’s something VRFocus can’t test.
Once the basic flight controls have been mastered it was onto the weapon systems. This mainly involved using the thrusters as blasters (as shown in the films). With Iron Man’s targeting systems being automatic simply looking in a target’s direction would bring up a reticule then point hand and fire. Quick and very easy to operate.
The skill came when trying to operate flight and weapons at the same time. This was where Iron Man VR started to shine, flying across the top of the ocean, dipping in and out of rock formations while blasting away at enemies was exactly the kind of experience fans of the character have been looking for. There was also a punch mechanic which dashed you in for a devastating blow when close enough.
Iron Man VR has already created plenty of buzz and excitement thanks to the possibility it’ll be a fully-fledged VR videogame rather than the short demo experience Spider-Man: Far From Home Virtual Reality. And that’s certainly justified from what VRFocus has seen so far. With a launch still expected in 2019, Iron Man VR could very well be one of PlayStation VR’s biggest hits.
Is it just me or are things a bit quiet on the PSVR front lately?
Sony’s headset has had a great year so far with releases like Blood & Truth. But we’ve been so hyper-focused on No Man’s Sky VR that we’re left looking at the end of the year wondering what else is on the way.
Turns out there’s quite a lot.
PSVR 2019 Games
We’re likely due a new version of Sony’s State of Play broadcast to tell us more soon, but we’ve rounded up some of the best-looking PSVR 2019 games still to come this year. There’s only a handful of titles published by Sony itself but, from what we can tell, third parties are more than picking up the slack. Here’s what we know is on the way before the year’s out.
Espire 1
Judging by the reaction online, Espire 1: VR Operative is probably what most of us are looking forward to before the year’s end. This VR stealth game is essentially Metal Gear Solid 2 in VR, presenting players with a dizzying amount of options to sneak around levels unseen. We’ve played it a few times now and it’s shaping up nicely. Though we haven’t seen it on PSVR, the Quest version is looking good, which gives us hope. The game’s out September 27.
Doctor Who: The Edge of Time
We saw a great VR animated short in the world of Doctor Who earlier this year, but now it’s time for the main event. Developer Maze Theory is working on a narrative-driven VR experience that tours the world of Who. You’ll travel to different times and meet iconic villains, solve puzzles and go on the search for the Doctor herself.
Golem
It’s hard to believe that Golem is really coming out. This debut project from the former Bungie developers at Highwire Games was announced before PSVR itself had been released. It was due for launch in early 2018 before a last-minute delay saw it sink into the shadows for well over a year. But we now know it’s coming this fall, and we remain as intrigued by its first-person sword combat and unique story as ever. Let’s hope it measures up to expectations.
Gorn
The PSVR version of Free Lives’ bloody gladiator sim is still in the works for a release this year. On PC, Gorn is one of VR’s most brilliantly over the top and lovable games, offering pure carnage as you whack, slice and stab your way through waves of meatheaded goons.
Iron Man VR
Iron Man VR feels like something of a technical miracle. Despite PSVR’s limited tracking, the game does a pretty fantastic job of letting players spin around as you zoom about skylines, blasting enemies out of the air. Still, we’ve only seen a very small portion of what we’re told is a full adventure with its own story. If Iron Man VR really is coming this year, we’re hoping to find out much more about it in the very near future.
Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son
A sequel to Groundhog Day in VR is probably not what you thought you’d be getting out of your headset this year. Nevertheless, Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son is one of the most genuinely promising VR games on the horizon right now, looking to combine story and interaction in meaningful ways, with some entertaining minigames strewn in along the way. We’ll find out what it’s made of when the game releases on September 17.
The Walking Dead: Onslaught
If you couldn’t tell, the VR tie-ins are coming thick and fast this season. Survios has more than proven it’s capable of handling the expectations of series like Creed and Westworld, however. With that in mind, we’re looking forward to seeing what the team can bring to the medium with its first linear, narrative-driven VR shooter (and its first shooter in general since Raw Data). Set during the events of the show, this promises more zombie murder than you can shake a stick at.
Budget Cuts
Espire 1 isn’t the only stealth game sneaking onto PSVR. A port of last year’s popular VR indie hit, Budget Cuts, is also due to arrive on sony’s headset. In Budget Cuts, you sneak through office cubicles, dodging enemy robots and occasional tossing a knife or two their way. The PC version of the game had a lot of issues when it first launch but there was an enjoyable core. Hopefully, that will be able to shine through in the PSVR version too.
Final Assault
Indie developer Phaser Lock Interactive has been in VR for some time, and Final Assault is one of its most polished and best releases to date. On PC, this is a rewarding VR RTS with incredibly detailed visuals and fun multiplayer modes. We know the game’s making its way over to PS4 later this year and we’re hoping it holds up across the board.
Concrete Genie
Concrete Genie’s tale of bullying and companionship holds a lot of promise, but we’re just as interested to check out the extent of its VR offerings. The game will have two VR modes at launch, one featuring its own mini-campaign and another that lets you wield a PlayStation Move controller to paint to your heart’s content. We’ll be really interested to see how the game translates into VR when it launches on October 8.
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What other PSVR 2019 games are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!
The aforementioned ‘pews’ are attributed to the fact we played Iron Man VR today. There’s been a lot of buzzing about how Marvel’s latest VR experience allows 360 degree tracking in VR. We wanted to put that to the test. Did it live up to it? Find out in our video recap over on YouTube!
But is that all? Nay, good reader; we’ve seen plenty more Gamescom VR goodness today. We got our latest look at Espire 1: VR Operative, a VR stealth game we’ve been looking forward to playing for some time now. Again, we snuck around, shot some guards and climbed a wall or two. You’ll have to watch on to see what we thought.
Elsewhere on the Gamescom roster we’ve tried some of the many, many indie VR games dotted about the show. Some of them we’d never heard of before, some of them we’d been looking forward to for a while.
Want more? We’ll have full impressions of everything we saw today a little later down the line. Keep your eyes peeled for those articles. Also, if you missed our first day of impressions, including games like Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son and Down The Rabbit Hole, make sure to check those out right here.
Okay, time to get out of here again (we’re really, really tired). But! We’ll have more tomorrow! Yes, we’re at Gamescom for one more day and there’s still a heck of a lot to see. Then we’ll get to go home. Yay!
We’re at Gamescom! We’ve seen some VR games! Lots of them! Too many of them!
Yes, the annual gigantic games celebration is underway in Cologne, Germany. We’ve been here for a day and already seen eight games, which is just the tip of the iceberg. Today we’ve been down to the PlayStation Booth to see Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son and dived into the VR Showcase and played Down the Rabbit Hole, among others. We’ll be bringing you full impressions of everything we’ve seen but, for now, we thought we’d round up some quick day one impressions on video.
So we sat out in the sun and talked it over. All in all it’s been a pretty encouraging day; VR developers really seem to be getting a grasp on the medium. Whether it’s marveling at the adorable animations in The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets or getting gruesome with The Walking Dead: Onslaught, everything seemed like a great fit for VR. There’s some new games in here that are definitely worth paying attention to, too.
This is just a quick skim of what we saw; I’ll be doing full impressions of each game and we’ll have more video coverage too. I’ve only got one pair of hands, though, so we thought best get some thoughts down now while the German sun is out.
There’s still plenty to see, though. I’m yet to get my hands into Iron Man VR and I haven’t even had a nose around the various indie booths yet. We’ll be back tomorrow with yet more impressions!
Community Download is a weekly discussion-focused articles series published (usually) every Monday in which we pose a single, core question to you all, our readers, in the spirit of fostering discussion and debate. For today, we want to know which superhero you most want to play as in VR?
Virtual reality has the potential to offer some extreme power fantasies. We’ve even written a dedicated list to rounding up some of our favorite power trip VR games that make you feel incredibly powerful. But general wish fulfillment is one thing: we want to take some time to focus on what amounts to VR roleplaying or cosplaying as iconic heroes instead.
Marvel Powers United VR has a large cast of heroes to play as, but it’s a bit shallow overall. Spider-Man’s recent Far From Home VR experience does a good job of bringing web slinging to life, but that’s about all it does. Batman Arkham VR was barely a game and Megaton Rainfall is a respectable attempt at a Superman-esque VR game. But for the most part, we’re still waiting on that great superhero experience in VR. Fingers crossed Iron Man VR is as great as it could be.
So we want to put the question to you: Which superhero do you most want to play as in VR? Do you want a team-up game or a dedicated VR experience all about that hero?
Let us know your picks down in the comments below and we’ll see what everyone thinks would make the best superhero VR game.
PlayStation, Marvel and Camouflaj have played their cards close to their chest on Iron Man VR thus far. That changed at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend; we have about 20 minutes of Iron Man VR gameplay to showcase.
The game featured on Marvel’s own livestream coverage over the weekend. Developer Camouflaj’s Ryan Paton joins the company on-stage to walk people through the first area of the game. It’s set out on the coast out by Tony Stark’s Malibu mansion, letting players glide over the water. You can also see more of this level in the featurette released for the game on Friday.
There are some really cool takeaways from this footage. First of all, the moment when you first enter a level you can see the iconic Iron Man HUD light up for the first time. We also see some of the game’s combat and a sneak peek at an important member of the Iron Man cast: Pepper Potts.
Finally, you can see how easily a first-time player picks up the controls. As we previously reported, Camouflaj developed prediction algorithms to help players maintain the control even if the camera can’t see the Move controllers. It’s not perfect; Paton does ask the player to turn around once or twice, but it’s remarkably hassle-free.
Iron Man VR is expected to release later this year. Camouflaj is promising a full campaign with an original story. The team isn’t just creating an experience to embody Iron Man but also Tony Stark as well. We’ll be following the game closely.
In the latest update on the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con, we learn the Marvel Games panel will include updates on games like Marvel’s Avengers and Iron Man VR. The panel synopsis teases some other surprises as well.
